Hard Backplate vs Soft

[AquaRat]

Hello All! I am new to this forum and have learned a lot from the current threads. I am researching BP/W setups and looking to buy a new rig in the near future. What are the advantages of diving with a hard backplate instead of a harness system that has a soft plate(Transpac, etc.)? I realize it is sturdier for diving doubles and can provide a weight benefit, but for someone only diving singles, what would the benefits be?

Thanks!

[TommyB]

Hi rat,

Was a discussion on this in this tread here
Transpac type Harnesses that accept a Backplate

Take a read and see if that might help answer a few of those nagging questions about soft vs hard

[Splitlip]

My experience, the "hard" locks the rig to your back. I can walk with ease, bend down to zip up a booty etc.
At depth, tits on a ritz.

[cmburch]

My Rig is a Stainless Steel Backplate mainly for the added weight since I have a thick wetsuit which means less weight on my belt. Also the SS BP makes the tank/Rig one solid unit - I like it for hiking. Doesn't shift around causing me to work harder to keep my balance when hiking down cliffs. I have an Oxycheq Mach V with a single steel tank.

[texdiveguy]

It really boils down to personal preference.

I actually dive a 'combo'....a Zeagle Tech Pac with Zeagle plate in place of the small steel plates (2) that are designed for this system when doubles diving....I find it more stable and it adds the req. wt. I need.

If you can get hold of each style and give a test dive or two on them that will help you get the feel.

[AquaRat]

Thanks for the info. The hard backplate seems to be the most stable choice. I also like how versatile the hard plate is.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by AquaRat

Thanks for the info. The hard backplate seems to be the most stable choice. I also like how versatile the hard plate is.

Yes.

It's even better in cold water, since it takes weight off your belt and centers it over your lungs, where the most buoyancy comes from. Ideal placement.

[doczerothree]

I got a "transpac" because I like the idea of swtching out bladders the advantages to me were clear. as I dove and got more experience and technical training a bp/harness worked great and was a requirement (i already had 3 sets of wrings) both are very comfortable and i use them both depending on the plan. But it was costly.

[RoyN]

My backplate is still on order.

[chris in the socal]

Please let me know how you decide. I am in the same perdicament as you.